Introspect on need to improve judiciary responsiveness: CJI Surya Kant

NEW DELHI: Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the importance of timely court intervention in crucial matters, stating that the difference between justice and injustice is not in the final judgement, but in whether the court intervenes when intervention is most needed. Kant urged the judiciary, particularly constitutional courts, to introspect and further improve their working to make case listings more transparent and predictable.

At the platinum jubilee celebration of Kerala High Court, Kant highlighted the constitutional significance of Article 226, which empowers High Courts to issue appropriate writs and directions for various legal disputes. He stressed the critical role of High Courts in addressing citizens' problems, as they are closely connected with everyday realities.

Kant acknowledged the constitutional autonomy of High Courts and their authority to regulate their own rosters. However, he raised concerns about the growing tendency of litigants approaching the Supreme Court for urgent listings or early hearings of matters pending before High Courts. Kant questioned whether the present process could be improved, including the listing of cases, and suggested using technology to prioritize cases where delay may cause irreversible prejudice.